Framing Beauty: How Instagram Influencers Shape Appearance Anxiety and Body Positivity Among Adolescents

The research examines how Instagram content influences teenage users' beauty standards and self-esteem, utilizing the theoretical framework of framing theory. The research examines two case studies of influencers to either enhance or reduce appearance anxiety through their content by comparing Kim Kardashian's idealized body standards with Danae Mercer Ricci’s body positivity approach. The research analyzed 40 Instagram posts (20 from each influencer) through inductive coding to identify recurring visual elements, textual content, and audience engagement patterns. The research shows that edited and filtered content creates unattainable beauty standards, which leads to self-comparison. However, unedited body-positive content promotes self-acceptance and emotional strength. Body positivity content may inadvertently create new standards for appearance, even though it aims to encourage acceptance. The research demonstrates the necessity for platform algorithm changes, media literacy education, and digital citizenship development to create healthier online spaces for young people.